(Alliance News) - Anglo American Platinum Ltd on Wednesday said Chief Executive Natascha Viljoen has resigned to go to work for US miner Newmont Corp.

The Johannesburg-listed platinum producer, which is 79% owned by Anglo American PLC, said Viljoen will continue to serve as CEO until the completion of her notice period of up to 12 months. She has been chief executive since April 2020.

Viljoen will join Newmont, a Denver, Colorado-based gold miner, as its chief operating officer.

"Natascha has been leading Anglo American Platinum with enormous skill and dedication, transforming the company's value creation trajectory," Anglo American Platinum Chair Norman Mbazima said.

Anglo American Chief Executive Duncan Wanblad said the process to identify Viljoen's successor was now under way.

Viljoen was an outstanding leader who transformed the group's technical processing capabilities and performance having joined in 2014, Wanblad commented.

In a statement, Newmont confirmed the hire, saying Viljoen will further strengthen its technical, operational and management capabilities.

This past Sunday, Newmont confirmed it has proposed to acquire Australian peer Newcrest Mining Ltd in an all-share transaction.

Shares in Anglo American Platinum fell 2.0% on Wednesday morning in Johannesburg. Anglo American lost 0.9%.

By Artwell Dlamini, Alliance News reporter

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